Abstract: A variable displacement radial piston pump includes a plurality of pump sections which are grouped into two. A first group of pump sections are communicable through a first discharge passage with a third discharge passage. A second group of pump sections are communicable through a second discharge passage with the third discharge passage. A control valve is provided for selectively supplying discharge from said first and second groups of pump sections to the third discharge passage and thereby stepwisely varying the discharge through the third discharge passage.

Abstract: First and second sets of grooves define first and second sets of elongate projections which are respectively subject to compression and elongation when the shaft in which they are defined, is subject to torque. Two yoked coils which are excited with an alternating current, are each disposed close to a set of projections. The compression and elongation of the projections changes the amount of magnetic flux which flows along the projections and therefore the inductance of the coils. The coils form part of a bridge circuit which is sensitive to the change in inductance in a manner which enables the amount of torque to be measured.

Abstract: A torque sensor for use in automotive transmissions includes first and second sets of grooves define first and second sets of elongate projections which are respectively subject to compression and elongation when the shaft in which they are defined, is subject to torque. Two yoked coils which are excited with an alternating current, are each disposed close to a set of projections. The compression and elongation of the projections changes the amount of magnetic flux which flows along the projections and therefore the inductance of the coils. The coils form part of a bridge circuit which is sensitive to the change in inductance in a manner which enables the amount of torque to be measured.

Abstract: A hydraulic control system comprises a distributor valve including a valve body formed with a first port communicating with a pressure regulator and a second inlet port. The valve body is also formed with a plurality of outlet ports communicating with corresponding frictional elements, respectively. A solenoid operated relief valve is fluidly disposed between the pressure regulator and the second inlet port of the valve body. The distributor valve includes a rotary valve element operatively connected with a stepping motor. The rotary valve element is rotatably disposed within a bore of the valve body and has a plurality of angular positions for connecting the outlet ports to the first inlet port, second inlet port and drainage, selectively. The solenoid of the relief valve is of the proportioning type and is controlled by a control unit. The stepping motor is also controlled by the control unit.

Abstract: In order to prevent sudden fluctuations in the supply of hydraulic fluid fed to a power steering or like servo mechanism and to enable the downshifting of a transmission used to drive the pump and an ancillary device such as an alternator, at speeds suited to the specifications of the alternator, a "flow-down" valve induces first and second flow reductions which are separated by an engine speed range which enables the higher downshift speed to be selected at an engine speed suited to the specifications of the alternator. The first flow reduction or flow-down occurs within a relatively narrow engine speed range. This facilitates the above mentioned selection and additionally enables a change from a high power steering assist at low speed to an intermediate one. The second "flow-down" enables a more gradual change from the intermediate assist to a low level one suitable for high speed driving.

Abstract: A constant velocity universal joint comprises an outer joint element having grooves on its spherical inner surface. An inner joint element is positioned within the outer joint element and is provided with grooves on its spherical outer surface to form pairs of opposed grooves with the grooves on the outer joint element. A ball is positioned in every pair of opposed grooves and a cage disposed between the two joint elements retains the balls in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the cage. The cage is guided within the outer joint element by a spherical surface on the outer face of the cage and is guided with respect to the inner joint element by a spherical surface on the inner face of the cage. To facilitate assembly in the joint without weakening structural strength of the cage, the cage is provided with transverse notches or grooves in two diagonal positions.

Abstract: A sliding constant velocity universal joint comprises an annular outer joint member with a polygonal bore within which a ball retaining cage is guided.

Abstract: A sliding constant velocity universal joint comprises an annular outer joint member having an axially extending portions interconnecting the adjacent two grooves of the outer member. Every axially extending portion makes a line-to-line contact with spherical outer surface portion of a ball retaining cage to provide two spaces on the opposite sides of the contacting portion of the axially extending portion.

Abstract: A constant velocity universal joint comprises an outer member with an axial bore therethrough, a ball retaining cage within the axial bore and having first and second part-spherical outer surface portions which have the centers of curvature offset by an equal amount on opposite sides of the joint center along the joint axis, and inner member within the cage and restraining means having a part-spherical inner surface portion which engages the second part-spherical outer surface portion of the cage to assist in preventing relative movement between the cage and inner member in at least one direction.

Abstract: An annular sleeve is radially deformed within a cylindrical bore to provide a housing for a pump having vanes slidable through slots in an eccentric rotor, the radially opposed edges of the vanes slidably contacting the inner surface of the sleeve.

Abstract: Basic pitch curves of a ball nut rack and sector gear of a recirculating ball type steering gear have basic pitch curves which provide a gear ratio which is a desired function of the degree of turn of the steering wheel. The teeth of the rack are formed on a stepped reference line which is different from its basic pitch curve.

Abstract: Valve opening and closing timing is varied by adjusting the relative angle of the camshaft to the driving crankshaft in dependence on engine load.

Abstract: A slotted bush disposed about and connected by a cotter to a pump plunger is rotatable by a control rod.

Abstract: A cage having spherical inner and outer surfaces with their respective center points of curvature offset from joint center point to the opposite sides of same.